January 2017 was a month of mixed emotions. While I was generally positive and thankful for the things in my life, I also dealt with the loss of a family friend. Trying to process death can be very hard. When you have lost people meaning a great deal to you, it makes you feel for the family, who are now experiencing pain and grief. There are so many things that you wish you could do, and so many ways you want to help.
You have to be understanding, supportive and aware that sometimes people need space and time to heal.
It has been difficult staying motivated with University. With only two weeks left I have to make sure I have two projects completed (2 plane designs and 2 splash screens). I know I can do it, I just don’t want everything rushed (..tick..tock..). I received a 95 in my second submission (would have been higher if I included more connotations). I am proud of my efforts there because I wasn’t feeling confident about my Photoshop skillz. 💖
I moved my hosting from WiredTree to Knownhost. So far the new server (or VPS) has been fantastic and the support staff amazing. The reply time when submitting a ticket was 0.8 minutes. Staff were really helpful and paid attention to my concerns. I am hopeful that things will continue much the same way! 😀
In February I *plan* to finally finish mums office (yeah, it’s taking a while). Take steps to my first tattoo (I usually over think everything, so right now I am still in the ‘mind mapping’ stage 🐌) and try to enjoy the break between University terms.
Have a great February! 🕊️
💬 January 2017 Questions
- How was your January 2017?
- Do you have plans for February 2017?
- How do you support a grieving friend or relative?
30 Responses
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your family friend *hugs* One of my friends is going through a loss and he noted at how during difficult times, family comes together for support.
And wow two weeks left! A 95 is still really, really good.
Congrats on finding a new host and that’s super exciting you’re getting your first tattoo! Are you designing it yourself?
Thank you. ou3uo Yes, I plan to design the tattoo myself. It might sound weird, but I feel because I am a designer, and I am putting a lot of thought into it, that I should have create and use my own design. ;D
I’m so sorry for your loss. I support a grieving friend by saying “If there’s anything I can do or offer to you, please let me know. I’m here for you if you need me.” Everyone grieves in different aspects and ways so some people need others while other people don’t want anyone.
Congratulations on your scores! That’s a good sign of good things to come. I cannot wait to hear more about how well you’re doing. I live vicariously through those who are going to school for any sort of design or programming because I dreamed of doing that but life took me into a different direction.
It’s good you’re still thinking about your tattoo. None of my tattoos were well thought out and I don’t regret all of them, but most of them. I wish I would have spent much more time thinking it through. Take all the time you need! No one is rushing you to get it done NOOOOWWWW! 😉
Thank you. 😀
I’m so sorry to hear the passing of your friend. I am here if you need me 🙁
Thanks!
i’m sorry to hear about the passing. i had to deal with this kind of situation too last year when my boyfriend’s dad passed away. i never thought i would feel my heart sank, all the sadness and stuff because all this time, i’m the kind of person who’s all “death is part of the life cycle” and usually, i don’t feel such intense sadness towards the deceased if he or she isn’t part of MY family, you know… but i guess i did feel sooo sad and all because he’s my bf and i care bout his wellbeing, how he’d take it and all that. it was my first time having to comfort and stay by someone’s side as they go through a passing. i wasn’t sure how what to do but i stayed by my boyfriend’s side, asked him about the basic things like “have you eaten?” or “don’t forget to eat.” i also did a few research on how to comfort and support a grieving friend or relative and kind of took inspiration from all the research i found. my boyfriend accepted his dad’s passing pretty well though because it was predictable so it wasn’t extremely difficult for me because he wasn’t in denial. i think the best way is just stay by their side, make sure to look after them even when it comes to basic needs. i think i got it lucky with my boyfriend because he’s not in denial and he gets over it pretty fast. some people might react differently on a whole new level though; like go through depression and stuff.
i know my advice is so cliche because we have to consider how the person we are supporting reacts to the news too. but the basic concept should be universal: stay by them, support them and don’t pressure them to “get over it” fast. everyone has their own healing process and as supporters, we can only wait and guide them. during that phase last year, i kept telling my boyfriend that i’ll be there for him and that if there’s anything i can do, i’d do it.
my january sucks. there were lots of arguments, lots of mental breakdowns and lots of other struggles. i think i wasted january being depressed because well, that’s how depression is, right…it comes and goes as it pleases. i just hope february doesn’t have me spending my time bawling my eyes out again :’)
Thank you so much for offering your thoughts! I am sorry your January wasn’t that good. Hopefully February will be so much better. :hug:
I’m so sorry for the loss of a family friend. *hugs* People grieve differently, so it’s really important to give people time and space to do that. The best way to help someone is just to be there, ready to listen, ready to give a hug. Now I know I’m a complete stranger but if you need someone to talk to, I’m here. 🙂
Ooh, congratulations with your grade! 95 is pretty high! I’m sure you’ll do well with the remaining projects you need to submit.
My January’s been pretty chill. I spent most of my time editing videos for my YouTube channel, playtime with my little pup (Snowy), then there was one weekend I went to the beach wit friends. I had so much fun! 🙂 For February, no plans yet. But I want to spend more time making illustrations than edit vlogs. I’m thinking of doing a 30-day habit of something I’ve always wanted to do (It’s already Feb 2, I’m a day behind).
What tattoo design do you have in mind?
Thank you! <3 It sounds like February will be an interesting and creative month! :love: The design I have for the tattoo is kind of broken into different parts... I will have more about it soonish. n'D
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a close family friend last year and it took me months to come to terms with his passing because it was so sudden.
It’s hard to know how to support someone who is grieving. I’ve not had to deal with many deaths in my life so far so I don’t feel like I can give any advice. But I know that when our friend died my mum supported his wife by taking her out swimming and to the gym. It helped her to keep her mind on other things.
Thank you for sharing how your mum supported your friends family. That would have been so awful. u_u
I’m sorry for your loss. As long as you’re there ready to listen to their grief and sadness, it’s a big help. I’ve been there after losing my dad.
I hope you get decide you tattoo that you will really really like without regrets. 🙂
I just hope my February will be good to me in terms of work. haha!
No ragrets. >D<
Happy January/February! I’m really looking forward to your new tattoo – post pics if you can :D!
I’m sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family are doing okay <3 Grief is a struggle, even when you're on the outside. Re: your question, I usually give people space or company, depending on what they need; I don't think mourning is something that truly goes away, but that passes and eases over time. There's no such thing as immediate solutions to it, so just tact, gentleness, and momentary needs are the most important things to keep in mind, from my experience.
Will absolutely post pictures! 😀
You are 100% right about mourning never going away. It does ease over time and we find ways to deal with that loss. Thank you for your suggestions. ou3uo
I want to thank you for reaching out to me when you saw my tweets about my former boss suffering from a stroke. You were hurting, too, but you reached out to me, and it really touched me. Again, I am so sorry for the loss. It’s never easy when we lose people we love 🙁
It can be hard to find motivation for our education, but you’re doing well! A 95 is really good. I hope your remaining project goes well for you 🙂
Congrats on the new host! It sounds like they are really good and are on top of things ^_^
Thank you so much! :love:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your family friend. 😞 I hope you have been OK. ❤️
I think 95 is something to be applauded. You did SO well, and I think that losing just five marks is not a big deal, especially now that you know where you need to improve.
Fingers crossed this host continues to live up to their expectations. 🙃
Thank you! :*3 <3
Oh Kya, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I just lost my grandmother last month, so I know how you’re feeling here. I’m sure your support meant a lot to their family, as it did to ours just knowing people were thinking about us. I hope you’re doing alright. <3
Great job on the 95! It's not perfect, but that is really good so you should be so proud of yourself! Best of luck finishing up all your other projects you have going on. You can do it!!
January flew by for me… I can't believe it's already over. My goal for this month is to be more intentional with how I spend my time, so February doesn't just fly by too 😉
Thank you! I am feeling much better and just trying to be a good friend and show my support. I care about my friend and their family, and I hope they know that. <3
So sorry to hear about your friend.
I’m glad January has seen some good things to keep your spirits up. 🙂
My January has felt positive and leading into something new, but I’m just not sure what yet.
Thank you. Glad to hear that January has been positive. I hope Feb continues the same way and leads to new adventures. :*3
I can empathize with loss. I think it’s great that you’re seeing it as a learning experience, and a change to grow.
Your photos are beautiful, I really enjoyed seeing them on Insta! 😀 I miss the beach.
My January and February are going to be largely the same. Studying! But I’m loving it! 😀
That’s great you are loving it. :love:
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of a family friend. It’s always hard having to process death because things will not be the same without them :/. At the same time, this makes you want to be closer to your loved ones. It’s always good to be supportive of those who are experiencing grief. I always extend my condolences and offer anything I can do for a grieving friend.
Hope you’ll find the motivation you need to power through university! Congratulations on scoring a 95!
I’m glad to see that you’re enjoying your new host :). Hope the support stays superb! Have a great month~
Thank you. :love:
So sorry to hear about your family friend 🙁 I felt a similar way when my aunt passed in December. I did what I could to support my uncle and cousins, but I also felt at a loss of what else I could do for them. It’s hard, but I’m sure they appreciate your support. I wish the best for you and your family friends *hugs*
I’m glad you scored high on your second submission and that the hosting move went well though! That’s great that their customer support is so good. That’s also exciting that you’re planning on a getting a tattoo! I’ve always thought about getting one!
My January was pretty busy, so I’m kind of glad it’s over. I don’t have much planned for February. I just hope it’s a bit more relaxing!
Thank you. :hug: :wub: